Tungnath temple in Uttarakhand

About Tungnath Temple in Uttarakhand

Tungnath temple in Uttarakhand is the highest shrine of the Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located just below the top of Chandrashila.
It is located at an altitude of 3680 m, and is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the hierarchy of Panch Kedar.
It was built in the North Indian architectural style and is surrounded by a dozen other shrines to the gods.
This temple is an important part of the sacred circle of Panch Kedar Yatra, which was established by the Pandava brothers to seek forgiveness for killing their relatives in the battle of Mahabharata.
The idols of Goddess Parvati and many other gods are also near this temple.
This place is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site and a base for the Kedarnath Temple trekking.
It has attracted millions of Hindu pilgrims over the past five years due to its majestic location and religious significance.
During the winter season, Tungnath Mahadev Temple, is closed for Darshan and the symbolic image of the local deity, along with the priest, moves to Mukunath, which is 19 km away.

Tungnath Temple Uttarakhand timing and facts:-

Being the tallest temple of Lord Shiva in the world, Tungnath offers you another reason to visit during your Chardham Yatra or during your visit to Uttarakhand. Pilgrims who perform the Char Dham Yatra usually visit Tungnath to ask for the blessings of Lord Shiva. After completing the pilgrimage for Shiva’s darshan to the Panch Kedar temples, visiting Vishnu at the Badrinath temple is an unwritten religious rite as the final confirmation that the devotee has sought Shiva’s blessings.

It is believed to be 1000 years old and in the order of the Panch Kedars it is tritiya Kedar. The priest of this temple is a local Brahmin from the village of Makkumath, unlike the priests of other Kedar temples from southern India, a tradition established by the 8th century Hindu prophet Shankaracharya. It is said that Mithani Brahmins also served as priests in this temple.

Legend has it that these temples were built by the royal Pandavas who wanted Lord Shiva to forgive them for the Kurukshetra war where they killed their cousins, the Kauravas. So they built the Panch Kedar Tungnath, Kedarnath, Rudranath, Kalpeshwar and Madhyamaheshwar.
Each temple is recognized by a quarter of a bull or the body of Shiva; Tungnath is known as the place where baha (hands) were seen; hump seen at Kedarnath; the peak appeared in Rudranath; his navel and belly appeared in Madhyamaheswar; and his jata (hair or strands) at Kalpeshwar.

By Air – If you are going by air, then you have to reach at Jolly Grant Airport which is 220 km. far from temple.

By Train – If you are going by train, then you have to reach at Rishikesh Railway Station which is 205 km. far from the temple.

By Road – If you are going Tungnath temple in Uttarakhand by road, then you have to reach at Chopta. From Chopta you have to take the 3 km. trek route for Tungnath temple Uttarakhand.